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Sajid M, Moazzam M, Cho Y, Kato S, Xu A, Way JJ, Lohan S, Tiwari RK. siRNA Therapeutics for the Therapy of COVID-19 and Other Coronaviruses. Mol Pharm 2021; 18:2105-2121. [PMID: 33945284 PMCID: PMC9896947 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.0c01239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The ongoing pandemic of global concern has killed about three million humans and affected around 151 million people worldwide, as of April 30, 2021. Although recently approved vaccines for COVID-19 are engendering hope, finding new ways to cure the viral pandemic is still a quest for researchers worldwide. Major pandemics in history have been of viral origin, such as SARS, MERS, H1NI, Spanish flu, and so on. A larger emphasis has been on discovering potential vaccines, novel antiviral drugs, and agents that can mitigate the viral infection symptoms; however, a relatively new area, RNA interference (RNAi), has proven effective as an antiviral agent. The RNAi phenomenon has been largely exploited to cure cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and some rare diseases. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has recently approved three siRNA products for human use that garner significant hope in siRNA therapeutics for coronaviruses. There have been some commentaries and communications addressing this area. We have summarized and illustrated the significance and the potential of the siRNA therapeutics available as of April 30, 2021 to combat the ongoing viral pandemic and the emerging new variants such as B.1.1.7 and B.1.351. Numerous successful in vitro studies and several investigations to address the clinical application of siRNA therapeutics provide great hope in this field. This seminal Review describes the significance of siRNA-based therapy to treat diverse viral infections in addition to the current coronavirus challenge. In addition, we have thoroughly reviewed the patents approved for coronaviruses, the major challenges in siRNA therapy, and the potential approaches to address them, followed by innovation and prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad
Imran Sajid
- Center
for Targeted Drug Delivery, Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical
Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Harry and Diane Rinker Health Science Campus, Irvine, California 92618, United States
- Faculty
of Pharmacy, University of Central Punjab, Lahore 54700, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Moazzam
- Faculty
of Pharmacy, University of Central Punjab, Lahore 54700, Pakistan
| | - Yeseom Cho
- Center
for Targeted Drug Delivery, Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical
Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Harry and Diane Rinker Health Science Campus, Irvine, California 92618, United States
- Department
of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Schmid College of Science and
Technology, Chapman University, Orange, California 92866, United States
| | - Shun Kato
- Center
for Targeted Drug Delivery, Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical
Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Harry and Diane Rinker Health Science Campus, Irvine, California 92618, United States
- Department
of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Schmid College of Science and
Technology, Chapman University, Orange, California 92866, United States
| | - Ava Xu
- Center
for Targeted Drug Delivery, Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical
Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Harry and Diane Rinker Health Science Campus, Irvine, California 92618, United States
| | - J. J. Way
- Center
for Targeted Drug Delivery, Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical
Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Harry and Diane Rinker Health Science Campus, Irvine, California 92618, United States
| | - Sandeep Lohan
- Center
for Targeted Drug Delivery, Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical
Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Harry and Diane Rinker Health Science Campus, Irvine, California 92618, United States
| | - Rakesh K. Tiwari
- Center
for Targeted Drug Delivery, Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical
Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Harry and Diane Rinker Health Science Campus, Irvine, California 92618, United States
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Friedrich BM, Trefry JC, Biggins JE, Hensley LE, Honko AN, Smith DR, Olinger GG. Potential vaccines and post-exposure treatments for filovirus infections. Viruses 2012; 4:1619-50. [PMID: 23170176 PMCID: PMC3499823 DOI: 10.3390/v4091619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2012] [Revised: 08/31/2012] [Accepted: 09/04/2012] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Viruses of the family Filoviridae represent significant health risks as emerging infectious diseases as well as potentially engineered biothreats. While many research efforts have been published offering possibilities toward the mitigation of filoviral infection, there remain no sanctioned therapeutic or vaccine strategies. Current progress in the development of filovirus therapeutics and vaccines is outlined herein with respect to their current level of testing, evaluation, and proximity toward human implementation, specifically with regard to human clinical trials, nonhuman primate studies, small animal studies, and in vitro development. Contemporary methods of supportive care and previous treatment approaches for human patients are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian M. Friedrich
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Division of Virology, 1425 Porter Street, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; (B.M.F.); (J.C.T.); (J.E.B.); (A.N.H.); (D.R.S.)
| | - John C. Trefry
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Division of Virology, 1425 Porter Street, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; (B.M.F.); (J.C.T.); (J.E.B.); (A.N.H.); (D.R.S.)
| | - Julia E. Biggins
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Division of Virology, 1425 Porter Street, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; (B.M.F.); (J.C.T.); (J.E.B.); (A.N.H.); (D.R.S.)
| | - Lisa E. Hensley
- United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Medical Science Countermeasures Initiative (McMi), 10903 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20901, USA; (L.E.H.)
| | - Anna N. Honko
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Division of Virology, 1425 Porter Street, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; (B.M.F.); (J.C.T.); (J.E.B.); (A.N.H.); (D.R.S.)
| | - Darci R. Smith
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Division of Virology, 1425 Porter Street, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; (B.M.F.); (J.C.T.); (J.E.B.); (A.N.H.); (D.R.S.)
| | - Gene G. Olinger
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Division of Virology, 1425 Porter Street, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; (B.M.F.); (J.C.T.); (J.E.B.); (A.N.H.); (D.R.S.)
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; (G.G.O.); Tel.: +1-301-619-8581; +1-301-619-2290
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3
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Holz CL, Albina E, Minet C, Lancelot R, Kwiatek O, Libeau G, Servan de Almeida R. RNA interference against animal viruses: how morbilliviruses generate extended diversity to escape small interfering RNA control. J Virol 2012; 86:786-95. [PMID: 22072768 PMCID: PMC3255857 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.06210-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2011] [Accepted: 10/26/2011] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Viruses are serious threats to human and animal health. Vaccines can prevent viral diseases, but few antiviral treatments are available to control evolving infections. Among new antiviral therapies, RNA interference (RNAi) has been the focus of intensive research. However, along with the development of efficient RNAi-based therapeutics comes the risk of emergence of resistant viruses. In this study, we challenged the in vitro propensity of a morbillivirus (peste des petits ruminants virus), a stable RNA virus, to escape the inhibition conferred by single or multiple small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) against conserved regions of the N gene. Except with the combination of three different siRNAs, the virus systematically escaped RNAi after 3 to 20 consecutive passages. The genetic modifications involved consisted of single or multiple point nucleotide mutations and a deletion of a stretch of six nucleotides, illustrating that this virus has an unusual genomic malleability.
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4
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Kundu AK, Chandra PK, Hazari S, Pramar YV, Dash S, Mandal TK. Development and optimization of nanosomal formulations for siRNA delivery to the liver. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2011; 80:257-67. [PMID: 22119665 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2011.10.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2011] [Revised: 09/29/2011] [Accepted: 10/27/2011] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study is to develop an effective siRNA delivery system for successful delivery to the liver for the treatment of HCV. Nanosize liposomes (nanosomes) have been prepared using a mixture of cholesterol and DOTAP. A functional siRNA was encapsulated into nanosomes following condensation with protamine sulfate. The delivery of siRNA was optimized in an in vitro cell culture system. The efficacy of the formulations was evaluated by measuring functional gene silencing and cytotoxicity. Encapsulation of siRNA ≥ 7.4 nM resulted in successful delivery of siRNA to nearly 100% of cells. The formulations containing lipid-to-siRNA ratio ≥ 10.56:1 instantly cleared approximately 85% of HCV while maintaining cell viability at about 90%. The formulations were sonicated to further reduce the particle size. The size of these formulations was decreased up to 100 nm. However, there were no significant changes observed in zeta potential, or in siRNA encapsulation and integrity following sonication. The sonicated formulations also showed higher liver hepatocytes deposition and gene silencing properties. This study therefore provides a novel approach of siRNA delivery to liver hepatocytes, which can also be applied to treat HCV in chronic liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anup K Kundu
- Center for Nanomedicine and Drug Delivery, Xavier University College of Pharmacy, New Orleans 70125-1098, USA
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5
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Enhanced gene silencing in cells cured of persistent virus infection by RNA interference. J Virol 2010; 84:6880-5. [PMID: 20392843 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.02060-09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
We compared HEp-2-derived cells cured of persistent poliovirus infection by RNA interference (RNAi) with parental cells, to investigate possible changes in the efficiency of RNAi. Lower levels of poliovirus replication were observed in cured cells, possibly facilitating virus silencing by antiviral small interfering RNAs (siRNAs). However, green fluorescent protein (GFP) produced from a measles virus vector and also GFP and luciferase produced from plasmids that do not replicate in human cells were more effectively silenced by specific siRNAs in cured than in control cells. Thus, cells displaying enhanced silencing were selected during curing by RNAi. Our results strongly suggest that the RNAi machinery of cured cells is more efficient than that of parental cells.
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Ruiz S, Schyth B, Encinas P, Tafalla C, Estepa A, Lorenzen N, Coll J. New tools to study RNA interference to fish viruses: Fish cell lines permanently expressing siRNAs targeting the viral polymerase of viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus. Antiviral Res 2009; 82:148-56. [DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2009.02.200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2008] [Revised: 02/19/2009] [Accepted: 02/25/2009] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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7
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Dang LT, Kondo H, Hirono I, Aoki T. Inhibition of red seabream iridovirus (RSIV) replication by small interfering RNA (siRNA) in a cell culture system. Antiviral Res 2008; 77:142-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2007.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2007] [Revised: 10/12/2007] [Accepted: 10/15/2007] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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8
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Jia H, Ge X, Guo X, Yang H, Yu K, Chen Z, Chen Y, Cha Z. Specific small interfering RNAs-mediated inhibition of replication of porcine encephalomyocarditis virus in BHK-21 cells. Antiviral Res 2008; 79:95-104. [PMID: 18243347 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2007.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2007] [Revised: 10/15/2007] [Accepted: 12/03/2007] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV) is recognized as a pathogen inducing acute myocarditis and sudden death in preweaned piglets and severe reproductive failure in sows. In this study, eight specific small interfering RNA (siRNA) duplexes targeting different genomic regions of EMCV BJC3 were designed and their ability to inhibit virus replication in BHK-21 cells was investigated. The results showed that BHK-21 cells transfected with siRNA duplexes to 2C gene (JH-4,666, BJC-1,739), 2B gene (BJC-807), 3C gene (BJC-2,363) and 3D gene (BJC-3269) were specifically resistant to EMCV infection when exposed to 500 times the 50% cell culture infective dose (CCID(50)) of EMCV. The levels of the 3D gene in the transfected cells were obviously decreased. IFA and Western blotting analysis confirmed that the expression of VP1 protein in cell culture transfected with the siRNAs was apparently reduced. Of the five siRNAs, JH-4,666, BJC-2,363 and BJC-3,269 were the most effective. Combination of the siRNA duplexes enhanced the inhibition of EMCV replication. Our data indicated that specific siRNAs are able to inhibit the replication of porcine encephalomyocarditis virus in BHK-21 cells, suggesting that RNAi might provide a new approach to prevent EMCV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Jia
- Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine of Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine and State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, PR China
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9
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Klase ZA, Van Duyne R, Kashanchi F. Identification of potential drug targets using genomics and proteomics: a systems approach. ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY (SAN DIEGO, CALIF.) 2008; 56:327-68. [PMID: 18086417 DOI: 10.1016/s1054-3589(07)56011-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zachary A Klase
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical Center, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20037, USA
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10
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Abstract
Background. RNA interference, a conserved mechanism in which a sequence‐specific gene‐silencing process is mediated by small interfering RNA (siRNA), is a promising method of gene therapy in treating a variety of viral diseases. Aim. To investigate the antiviral effects of siRNA on herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV‐1) replication in Vero cells. Methods. The antiviral effects of siRNA duplexes targeting the VP16 and DNA polymerase genes of HSV‐1 were evaluated by yield‐reduction and plaque‐reduction assays. The effect of siRNA on the expression of target genes was measured by real‐time quantitative reverse transcription PCR. Results. Two siRNA duplexes (siRNA‐1, targeting VP16, and siRNA‐4, targeting DNA polymerase), were found to be highly effective in inhibiting HSV‐1 replication. siRNA‐1 and siRNA‐4 reduced HSV‐1 replication by around 2 log10 and 1 log10 in the yield‐‐reduction assay and by ∼85% and ∼70% in the plaque‐reduction assay, respectively. Significant decreases in the mRNA level of VP16 and DNA polymerase genes were detected after viral infection in the Vero cells pretreated with siRNA‐1 and siRNA‐4, respectively. Conclusion. These results indicate that siRNA can potently inhibit HSV‐1 replication in vitro, suggesting that siRNA‐based antiviral therapy may be a potential effective therapeutic alternative for patients with HSV‐1 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Q Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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11
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Zhang J, Wu YO, Xiao L, Li K, Chen LL, Sirois P. Therapeutic potential of RNA interference against cellular targets of HIV infection. Mol Biotechnol 2007; 37:225-36. [PMID: 17952669 PMCID: PMC7091338 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-007-9000-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2007] [Accepted: 08/09/2007] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
RNA interference is not only very promising in identifying new targets for drug development, siRNA/shRNA themselves may be directly used as therapeutic agents. In inhibiting viral infections by RNA interference, both viral targets and cellular proteins have been evaluated. Most of the early studies in this field had chosen viral targets for RNA interference. However, recent efforts are mainly focusing on cellular proteins for RNA silencing due to the realization that a variety of viral responses substantially minimize siRNA effects. With the application of siRNA approaching, many new cellular targets relevant to HIV infection have been identified. The value of siRNA/shRNA in the treatment of AIDS is largely dependent on better understanding of the biology of HIV replication. Efforts in the identification of cellular processes with the employment of siRNA/shRNA have shed some new lights on our understanding of how HIV infection occurs. Furthermore, the relative specific effects and simplicity of design makes siRNA/shRNA themselves to be favorable drug leads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Zhang
- Gene Core, The Genomics Institute of the Novartis Research Foundation, San Diego, CA, USA
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12
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Stassen L, Huismans H, Theron J. Silencing of African horse sickness virus VP7 protein expression in cultured cells by RNA interference. Virus Genes 2007; 35:777-83. [PMID: 17851744 DOI: 10.1007/s11262-007-0162-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2007] [Accepted: 08/24/2007] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) is the process by which double-stranded RNA directs sequence-specific degradation of homologous mRNA. Short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) are the mediators of RNAi and represent powerful tools to silence gene expression in mammalian cells including genes of viral origin. In this study, we applied siRNAs targeting the VP7 gene of African horse sickness virus (AHSV) that encodes a structural protein required for stable capsid assembly. Using a VP7 expression reporter plasmid and an in vitro model of infection, we show that synthetic siRNA molecules corresponding to the AHSV VP7 gene silenced effectively VP7 protein and mRNA expression, and decreased production of infectious virus particles as evidenced by a reduction in the progeny virion titres when compared to control cells. This work establishes RNAi as a genetic tool for the study of AHSV and offers new possibilities for the analysis of viral genes important for AHSV physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liesel Stassen
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa.
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HIV-1 TAR element is processed by Dicer to yield a viral micro-RNA involved in chromatin remodeling of the viral LTR. BMC Mol Biol 2007; 8:63. [PMID: 17663774 PMCID: PMC1955452 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2199-8-63] [Citation(s) in RCA: 198] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2007] [Accepted: 07/30/2007] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background RNA interference (RNAi) is a regulatory mechanism conserved in higher eukaryotes. The RNAi pathway generates small interfering RNA (siRNA) or micro RNA (miRNA) from either long double stranded stretches of RNA or RNA hairpins, respectively. The siRNA or miRNA then guides an effector complex to a homologous sequence of mRNA and regulates suppression of gene expression through one of several mechanisms. The suppression of gene expression through these mechanisms serves to regulate endogenous gene expression and protect the cell from foreign nucleic acids. There is growing evidence that many viruses have developed in the context of RNAi and express either a suppressor of RNAi or their own viral miRNA. Results In this study we investigated the possibility that the HIV-1 TAR element, a hairpin structure of ~50 nucleotides found at the 5' end of the HIV viral mRNA, is recognized by the RNAi machinery and processed to yield a viral miRNA. We show that the protein Dicer, the enzyme responsible for cleaving miRNA and siRNA from longer RNA sequences, is expressed in CD4+ T-cells. Interestingly, the level of expression of Dicer in monocytes is sub-optimal, suggesting a possible role for RNAi in maintaining latency in T-cells. Using a biotin labeled TAR element we demonstrate that Dicer binds to this structure. We show that recombinant Dicer is capable of cleaving the TAR element in vitro and that TAR derived miRNA is present in HIV-1 infected cell lines and primary T-cell blasts. Finally, we show that a TAR derived miRNA is capable of regulating viral gene expression and may be involved in repressing gene expression through transcriptional silencing. Conclusion HIV-1 TAR element is processed by the Dicer enzyme to create a viral miRNA. This viral miRNA is detectable in infected cells and appears to contribute to viral latency.
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Chevalier C, Saulnier A, Benureau Y, Fléchet D, Delgrange D, Colbère-Garapin F, Wychowski C, Martin A. Inhibition of hepatitis C virus infection in cell culture by small interfering RNAs. Mol Ther 2007; 15:1452-62. [PMID: 17505476 PMCID: PMC7106008 DOI: 10.1038/sj.mt.6300186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major cause of chronic liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma, yet fully efficacious treatments are missing. In this study, we investigated RNA interference (RNAi), a specific gene silencing process mediated by small interfering RNA (siRNA) duplexes, as an antiviral strategy against HCV. Synthetic siRNAs were designed to target conserved sequences of the HCV 5′ nontranslated region (NTR) located in a functional, stem–loop structured domain of the HCV internal ribosome entry site (IRES), which is crucial for initiation of polyprotein translation. Several siRNAs dramatically reduced or even abrogated the replication of selectable subgenomic HCV replicons upon cotransfection of human hepatoma cells with viral target and siRNAs, or upon transfection of cells supporting autonomous replication of HCV replicon with siRNAs. Importantly, three siRNAs also proved capable of strongly inhibiting virus production in cell culture. One siRNA, targeting a sequence that is highly conserved across all genotypes and forms a critical pseudoknot structure involved in translation, was identified as the most promising therapeutic candidate. These results indicate that the HCV life cycle can be efficiently blocked by using properly-designed siRNAs that target functionally important, highly conserved sequences of the HCV IRES. This finding offers a novel approach towards developing IRES-based antiviral treatment for chronic HCV infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christophe Chevalier
- CNRS URA 1966, Unité de Génétique Moléculaire des Virus Respiratoires, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Aure Saulnier
- CNRS URA 1966, Unité de Génétique Moléculaire des Virus Respiratoires, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
- Laboratoire des Virus Entérotropes et Stratégies Antivirales, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Yann Benureau
- CNRS URA 1966, Unité de Génétique Moléculaire des Virus Respiratoires, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Dorian Fléchet
- CNRS URA 1966, Unité de Génétique Moléculaire des Virus Respiratoires, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - David Delgrange
- CNRS-UMR 8161, Institut de Biologie de Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, Lille, France
| | | | - Czeslaw Wychowski
- CNRS-UMR 8161, Institut de Biologie de Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Annette Martin
- CNRS URA 1966, Unité de Génétique Moléculaire des Virus Respiratoires, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
- CNRS URA 3015, Unité de Génétique Moléculaire des Virus Respiratoires, Institut Pasteur, 25 rue du Dr. Roux, 75724 Paris Cedex 15, France
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15
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Christensen HS, Daher A, Soye KJ, Frankel LB, Alexander MR, Lainé S, Bannwarth S, Ong CL, Chung SWL, Campbell SM, Purcell DFJ, Gatignol A. Small interfering RNAs against the TAR RNA binding protein, TRBP, a Dicer cofactor, inhibit human immunodeficiency virus type 1 long terminal repeat expression and viral production. J Virol 2007; 81:5121-31. [PMID: 17360756 PMCID: PMC1900231 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01511-06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) is now widely used for gene silencing in mammalian cells. The mechanism uses the RNA-induced silencing complex, in which Dicer, Ago2, and the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) TAR RNA binding protein (TRBP) are the main components. TRBP is a protein that increases HIV-1 expression and replication by inhibition of the interferon-induced protein kinase PKR and by increasing translation of viral mRNA. After HIV infection, TRBP could restrict the viral RNA through its activity in RNAi or could contribute more to the enhancement of viral replication. To determine which function will be predominant in the virological context, we analyzed whether the inhibition of its expression could enhance or decrease HIV replication. We have generated small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) against TRBP and found that they decrease HIV-1 long terminal repeat (LTR) basal expression 2-fold, and the LTR Tat transactivated level up to 10-fold. In the context of HIV replication, siRNAs against TRBP decrease the expression of viral genes and inhibit viral production up to fivefold. The moderate increase in PKR expression and activation indicates that it contributes partially to viral gene inhibition. The moderate decrease in micro-RNA (miRNA) biogenesis by TRBP siRNAs suggests that in the context of HIV replication, TRBP functions other than RNAi are predominant. In addition, siRNAs against Dicer decrease viral production twofold and impede miRNA biogenesis. These results suggest that, in the context of HIV replication, TRBP contributes mainly to the enhancement of virus production and that Dicer does not mediate HIV restriction by RNAi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen S Christensen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
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16
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Schubert S, Rothe D, Werk D, Grunert HP, Zeichhardt H, Erdmann VA, Kurreck J. Strand-specific silencing of a picornavirus by RNA interference: evidence for the superiority of plus-strand specific siRNAs. Antiviral Res 2006; 73:197-205. [PMID: 17112603 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2006.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2006] [Revised: 09/11/2006] [Accepted: 10/12/2006] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
RNA interference triggered by small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) can be used to effectively contain viral spread. Here, we report on the mechanism of action of siRNAs targeting the medically important coxsackievirus B3 (CVB-3) as a typical representative of viruses with a non-segmented RNA genome in positive-strand orientation. Antiviral siRNAs can be designed to target the genomic (+)-strand, the (-)-strand that occurs as a replication intermediate, or both. In the present study, two complementary and systematic approaches are presented providing direct evidence that silencing of the viral (+)-strand is the key to inhibit CVB-3: first, we used rational siRNA design to direct silencing activity specifically against either of the two viral strands. As a second approach, we employed siRNA containing modified nucleotides to render them specific for one of the virus RNAs. Experiments with infectious coxsackievirus revealed that the inhibitory efficiency correlates exclusively with the activity of the siRNAs directed against the viral (+)-strand. Our finding that only (+)-strand specific siRNAs exert significant antiviral potency may hold true for other RNA viruses with (+)-stranded genomes as well and may therefore be helpful in the development of efficient strategies to inhibit virus propagation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steffen Schubert
- Institute for Chemistry and Biochemistry, Free University Berlin, Thielallee 63, D-14195 Berlin, Germany.
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17
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Chen CC, Ko TM, Ma HI, Wu HL, Xiao X, Li J, Chang CM, Wu PY, Chen CH, Han JM, Yu CP, Jeng KS, Hu CP, Tao MH. Long-term inhibition of hepatitis B virus in transgenic mice by double-stranded adeno-associated virus 8-delivered short hairpin RNA. Gene Ther 2006; 14:11-9. [PMID: 16929350 DOI: 10.1038/sj.gt.3302846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) was reported to block hepatitis B virus (HBV) gene expression and replication in vitro and in vivo. However, it remains a technical challenge for RNAi-based therapy to achieve long-term and complete inhibition effects in chronic HBV infection, which presumably requires more extensive and uniform transduction of the whole infected hepatocytes. To increase the in vivo transfection efficiency in liver, we used a double-stranded adeno-associated virus 8-pseudotyped vector (dsAAV2/8) to deliver shRNA. HBV transgenic mice were used as an animal model to evaluate the inhibition effects of the RNAi-based gene therapy. A single administration of dsAAV2/8 vector, carrying HBV-specific shRNA, effectively suppressed the steady level of HBV protein, mRNA and replicative DNA in liver of HBV transgenic mice, leading to up to 2-3 log(10) decrease in HBV load in the circulation. Significant HBV suppression sustained for at least 120 days after vector administration. The therapeutic effect of shRNA was target sequence dependent and did not involve activation of interferon. These results underscore the potential for developing RNAi-based therapy by dsAAV2/8 vector to treat HBV chronic infection, and possibly other persistent liver infections as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- C-C Chen
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
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18
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Abstract
Foamy viruses (FV), the oldest known genus of Retroviridae, are unique among the retroviruses in having no disease association. It is not known why FV are non-pathogenic while infection by their closest relatives can be deadly. This may be related to the estimated 60 million years of coevolution of FV and their primate hosts. We review the current state of knowledge of FV infection, including information about the sites of viral replication and host immune responses, and discuss the role these may play in establishing persistent yet non-pathogenic infections. Whether FV has pathologic consequences in immunosuppressed hosts has not been thoroughly investigated. As most primates in HIV/SIV research are coinfected with FV, investigation into possible interactions between these viruses is of interest. The use of FV as a vector for gene therapy is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Murray
- Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA.
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19
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Manjunath N, Kumar P, Lee SK, Shankar P. Interfering antiviral immunity: application, subversion, hope? Trends Immunol 2006; 27:328-35. [PMID: 16753342 PMCID: PMC7185794 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2006.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2006] [Revised: 04/24/2006] [Accepted: 05/16/2006] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi), initially recognized as a natural antiviral mechanism in plants, has rapidly emerged as an invaluable tool to suppress gene expression in a sequence-specific manner in all organisms, including mammals. Its potential to inhibit the replication of a variety of viruses has been demonstrated in vitro and in vivo in mouse and monkey models. These results have generated profound interest in the use of this technology as a potential treatment strategy for viral infections for which vaccines and drugs are unavailable or inadequate. In this review, we discuss the progress made within the past 2–3 years towards harnessing the potential of RNAi for clinical application in viral infections and the hurdles that have yet to be overcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Manjunath
- The CBR Institute for Biomedical Research and Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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20
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Geisbert TW, Hensley LE, Kagan E, Yu EZ, Geisbert JB, Daddario-DiCaprio K, Fritz EA, Jahrling PB, McClintock K, Phelps JR, Lee ACH, Judge A, Jeffs LB, MacLachlan I. Postexposure protection of guinea pigs against a lethal ebola virus challenge is conferred by RNA interference. J Infect Dis 2006; 193:1650-7. [PMID: 16703508 PMCID: PMC7110204 DOI: 10.1086/504267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 190] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2005] [Accepted: 01/06/2006] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ebola virus (EBOV) infection causes a frequently fatal hemorrhagic fever (HF) that is refractory to treatment with currently available antiviral therapeutics. RNA interference represents a powerful, naturally occurring biological strategy for the inhibition of gene expression and has demonstrated utility in the inhibition of viral replication. Here, we describe the development of a potential therapy for EBOV infection that is based on small interfering RNAs (siRNAs). METHODS Four siRNAs targeting the polymerase (L) gene of the Zaire species of EBOV (ZEBOV) were either complexed with polyethylenimine (PEI) or formulated in stable nucleic acid-lipid particles (SNALPs). Guinea pigs were treated with these siRNAs either before or after lethal ZEBOV challenge. RESULTS Treatment of guinea pigs with a pool of the L gene-specific siRNAs delivered by PEI polyplexes reduced plasma viremia levels and partially protected the animals from death when administered shortly before the ZEBOV challenge. Evaluation of the same pool of siRNAs delivered using SNALPs proved that this system was more efficacious, as it completely protected guinea pigs against viremia and death when administered shortly after the ZEBOV challenge. Additional experiments showed that 1 of the 4 siRNAs alone could completely protect guinea pigs from a lethal ZEBOV challenge. CONCLUSIONS Further development of this technology has the potential to yield effective treatments for EBOV HF as well as for diseases caused by other agents that are considered to be biological threats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas W Geisbert
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, Maryland 21702-5011, USA.
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21
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Van Aerschot A. Oligonucleotides as antivirals: dream or realistic perspective? Antiviral Res 2006; 71:307-16. [PMID: 16621039 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2006.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2006] [Revised: 03/10/2006] [Accepted: 03/13/2006] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Many reports have been published on antiviral activity of synthetic oligonucleotides, targeted to act either by a true antisense effect or via non-sequence specific interactions. This short review will try to evaluate the current status of the field by focusing on the effects as reported for inhibition of either HSV-1, HCMV or HIV-1. Following an introduction with a historical background and a brief discussion on the different types of constructs and mechanisms of action, the therapeutic potential of antisense oligonucleotides as antivirals, as well as possible pitfalls upon their evaluation will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur Van Aerschot
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Minderbroedersstraat 10, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
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22
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Abstract
Until the appearance of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), caused by the SARS coronavirus (SARS-CoV) in early 2003, coronavirus infection was not considered to be serious enough to be controlled by either vaccination or specific antiviral therapy. It is now believed that the availability of antiviral drugs effective against SARS-CoV will be crucial for the control of future SARS outbreaks. Recently, RNA interference has been successfully used as a more specific and efficient method for gene silencing. RNA interference induced by small interfering RNA can inhibit the expression of viral antigens and so provides a new approach to the therapy of pathogenic viruses. This review provides an overview of current information on coronavirus and the application of small interfering RNA in viral therapeutics, with particular reference to SARS-CoV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang-Jer Wu
- Department of Food Science, 2 Pei Ning Road, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung, Taiwan.
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23
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Werk D, Schubert S, Lindig V, Grunert HP, Zeichhardt H, Erdmann VA, Kurreck J. Developing an effective RNA interference strategy against a plus-strand RNA virus: silencing of coxsackievirus B3 and its cognate coxsackievirus-adenovirus receptor. Biol Chem 2005; 386:857-63. [PMID: 16164410 DOI: 10.1515/bc.2005.100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB-3) is a plus-strand RNA virus that is believed to be the most common causal agent of viral myocarditis. Since no specific treatment for CVB-3 infections is available to date, we and others have recently started to develop RNA interference (RNAi) approaches to prevent virus propagation. Here we describe our strategy for the development of efficient small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) against viral genomes. Initially, fusion constructs of a reporter (green fluorescent protein) and viral subgenomic fragments were employed to select active siRNAs against the virus. Moreover, in an attempt to achieve sustained virus silencing and reduce the risk of generating escape mutants, only highly efficient siRNAs directed against regions of the viral genome that are unlikely to tolerate mutations were considered for virus inhibition. Two siRNAs directed against the 3D RNA-dependent RNA polymerase were found to inhibit virus propagation by 80-90%. The protective effect of the efficient siRNAs lasted for several days. Furthermore, we have first evidence that inhibition of the cellular coxsackievirus-adenovirus receptor (CAR) by RNAi also reduces the virus titre. Our strategy is likely to be applicable to other (RNA) viruses as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise Werk
- Institute for Chemistry (Biochemistry), Free University of Berlin, Thielallee 63, D-14195 Berlin, Germany
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24
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Gatignol A, Lainé S, Clerzius G. Dual role of TRBP in HIV replication and RNA interference: viral diversion of a cellular pathway or evasion from antiviral immunity? Retrovirology 2005; 2:65. [PMID: 16253139 PMCID: PMC1282568 DOI: 10.1186/1742-4690-2-65] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2005] [Accepted: 10/27/2005] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence indicates that RNA interference (RNAi) may be used to provide antiviral immunity in mammalian cells. Human micro (mi)RNAs can inhibit the replication of a primate virus, whereas a virally-encoded miRNA from HIV inhibits its own replication. Indirect proof comes from RNAi suppressors encoded by mammalian viruses. Influenza NS1 and Vaccinia E3L proteins can inhibit RNAi in plants, insects and worms. HIV-1 Tat protein and Adenovirus VA RNAs act as RNAi suppressors in mammalian cells. Surprisingly, many RNAi suppressors are also inhibitors of the interferon (IFN)-induced protein kinase R (PKR) but the potential overlap between the RNAi and the IFN pathways remains to be determined. The link between RNAi as an immune response and the IFN pathway may be formed by a cellular protein, TRBP, which has a dual role in HIV replication and RNAi. TRBP has been isolated as an HIV-1 TAR RNA binding protein that increases HIV expression and replication by inhibiting PKR and by increasing translation of structured RNAs. A recent report published in the Journal of Virology shows that the poor replication of HIV in astrocytes is mainly due to a heightened PKR response that can be overcome by supplying TRBP exogenously. In two recent papers published in Nature and EMBO Reports, TRBP is now shown to interact with Dicer and to be required for RNAi mediated by small interfering (si) and micro (mi)RNAs. The apparent discrepancy between TRBP requirement in RNAi and in HIV replication opens the hypotheses that RNAi may be beneficial for HIV-1 replication or that HIV-1 may evade the RNAi restriction by diverting TRBP from Dicer and use it for its own benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Gatignol
- Virus-Cell Interactions Laboratory, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, and Department of Medicine and Microbiology & Immunology, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Sébastien Lainé
- Virus-Cell Interactions Laboratory, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, and Department of Medicine and Microbiology & Immunology, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Guerline Clerzius
- Virus-Cell Interactions Laboratory, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, and Department of Medicine and Microbiology & Immunology, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
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25
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Saulnier A, Pelletier I, Labadie K, Colbère-Garapin F. Complete cure of persistent virus infections by antiviral siRNAs. Mol Ther 2005; 13:142-50. [PMID: 16157509 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2005.07.697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2005] [Revised: 07/07/2005] [Accepted: 07/31/2005] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) have been developed as antiviral agents for mammalian cells. The capacity of specific siRNAs to prevent virus infections has been demonstrated, and there is evidence that these new antiviral agents could have a partial therapeutic effect a few days after infection. We investigated the possibility of curing a persistent infection, several months after becoming established, using an in vitro model of persistent poliovirus (PV) infection in HEp-2 cells. Despite high virus titers and the presence of PV mutants, repeated treatment with a mixture of two siRNAs targeting both noncoding and coding regions, one of them in a highly conserved region, resulted in the complete cure of the majority of persistently infected cultures. No escape mutants emerged in treated cultures. The antiviral effect of specific siRNAs, consistent with a mechanism of RNA interference, correlated with a decrease in the amount of viral RNA, until its complete disappearance, resulting in cultures cured of virions and viral RNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aure Saulnier
- Laboratoire des Virus Entérotropes et Stratégies Antivirales, Département de Virologie, Institut Pasteur, 25 rue du Dr Roux, 75724 Paris Cedex 15, France
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